Cedar Rapids

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Come to Cedar Rapids, a blossoming cultural and artistic hub, to see its gorgeous parklands, expansive galleries and the beloved Brucemore heritage mansion.

Absorb the atmosphere of Cedar Rapids, a rapidly growing city situated along the banks of the Cedar River in Iowa. Here you’ll see artistic centers that blend the old and the new alongside parks and unique historic landmarks that preserve the past of the American Midwest.

Get up early and head to the markets in the north of the city. The Farmer’s Daughters market has fresh, locally sourced produce from farms in the area. Get around using the public bus system or by taxis, which are cheap and reliable.

Cedar Rapids has 3,360 acres (1,360 hectares) of parkland to explore. Fish for trout, scuba dive or canoe at the Prairie Park Fishery. The 65-acre (26-hectare) lake and surrounding park also offers opportunities for hiking, biking and bird watching.

Go on a wine-tasting tour of the county’s local vineyards. Wineries just outside Cedar Rapids are surrounded by rolling hills and offer tasting and lunch menus.

Art and culture lovers will be delighted by the exhibitions at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which has thousands of pieces which span 2,000 years of craftsmanship. Visit the historic Brucemore mansion north of downtown. The restored 19th-century mansion lies on a 26 acres (10.5 hectares) estate and hosts regular concerts and theater performances. Check the official Brucemore website for timetables of events.

Engage with history at the African American Historical Museum and the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, where you’ll learn about the state’s immigrant past. Take children to the Iowa Children’s Museum for an interactive experience of science. Visit the Ushers Ferry Historic Village, where actors and buildings depict life in an Iowan village at the start of the 20th century. 

Rent a car and drive to the Indian Creek Nature Center just outside the town. Here you’ll find 330 acres (133 hectares) of preserved prairies, wetlands and woods that Iowa is known for.

Where to stay in Cedar Rapids

National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Area
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport
2.5 out of 5
710 America Drive, SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
The price is CA $131 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $131
CA $147 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (689 reviews)
"Close to airport."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA
2.5 out of 5
9100 Atlantic Drive SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
The price is CA $127 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $127
CA $148 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Road Trip
"Very nice facility. Could use new flooring. The carpet looks pretty worn. Could also use one more chair in the room. Great breakfast selections."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road
2.5 out of 5
2025 Werner Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
The price is CA $132 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $132
CA $151 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (519 reviews)
Attending the Iowa Orchestra’s performance of ET
"Everything was fine. The hallway needed to be vacuumed. Our room was very comfortable. I came down for breakfast on Saturday at 9:30. There was still a lot of people coming in. The food needed to be replenished."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids North - Collins Road
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Completely remodeled house with all the amenities minutes from downtown.
Completely remodeled house with all the amenities minutes from downtown.
Cedar Rapids
Stay at this vacation home in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar River and Veterans Memorial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Comfy place to stay!
"Comfy place for myself and my adult children to stay for one daughter's college graduation!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Completely remodeled house with all the amenities minutes from downtown.
The White Elephant Loft
The White Elephant Loft
Cedar Rapids
Stay at this apartment in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions African American Museum of Iowa and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Perfect Location
"I was quite impressed with the White Elephant Loft! Very clean and a real cute layout. Perfect location! Has access to everything you would need. We will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

The White Elephant Loft
Live in luxury nestled in a park-like setting.
Live in luxury nestled in a park-like setting.
Cedar Rapids
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Brucemore and Indian ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood
"This beautiful home was just as described. We had two families totaling eight people staying here as we gathered to attended a wedding. The beds were comfortable and the house was very well set up. It was also spotlessly clean and sanitized. Would definitely recommend this home!"

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

Live in luxury nestled in a park-like setting.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cedar Rapids

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 42.857142857142854%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 14.285714285714286%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 28.571428571428573%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 14.285714285714286%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Sep. 3, 2019

We did not visit this community. It was a stop overnight on our way to a family wedding. We did stay in the Ramada Inn and received a very warm welcome. Our stay there was very enjoyable.